Stephen Simon’s Favorite Uplifting Movies of 2013

December 30, 2013

As I say each year, I am very proud to have been a voting member of The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences since 1984. As I also say each year, I wish the categories were defined as “favorite” rather than “best” because there is no objective standard by which anyone can use the word “best” when referring to a work of art. Calling one film or performance the “best” is just as impossible as calling Rembrandt a better painter than Van Gogh or singling out Mozart as a better composer than Beethoven.

As I personally feel uncomfortable trying to define “best” and do not generally like or appreciate many of the dark, depressing movies that seem to show up on most Oscar lists, I have added the word “uplifting” to this year’s list. While I readily acknowledge that “uplifting” is no less subjective a description than “best”, the films I personally admire most are the ones that help me feel better about simply being human….leaving me with a sense of inspiration, along with a hope and belief in who we can be as a species when we operate at our very best. In these kinds of films, the path may be perilous at times….but the light of transcendence and transformation beckon brightly.

So here are my favorite uplifting films of 2013. What are yours?

1. Her. Not only by far my favorite film of 2013, Her is one of the most audacious, original, emotional, disturbing, exhilarating, socially relevant, brilliant, and ultimately inspirational films that I’ve ever seen. Joaquin Phoenix plays a man in the not-t00-distant future whose marriage has fallen apart and who buys a new operating system for his computer that includes the latest artificial intelligence technology, a female presence (voiced by Scarlett Johannson) who names herself Samantha. What follows is the most engrossing 2 hours of film you can possibly imagine. Writer/director Spike Jonze has always made singular, original films (Adaptation, Being John Malkovich). With Her, Mr. Jonze has created a breakthrough film about how our obsession with all things electronic has affected not only our ability to communicate as and with our fellow human beings but also our capacity to experience love and vulnerability with each other. Mr. Phoenix is beyond sensational in one of the most challenging roles any actor has ever taken on, and Ms. Johannson gives one of the performances of the year, even though we never see her. I have no idea how many Academy Awards the film will be nominated for, or win, but I do know this: Her will be talked about, argued about, dissected, and revisited for decades to come. Appropriately R-rated for its language, sensuality, and themes, Her is truly one for the ages.

2. Gravity. The most thrilling, in-theater spectacle and most groundbreaking visual film I’ve seen since Avatar. From a sheer filmgoing standpoint, Gravity is awe-inspiring to behold; moreover, what made it particularly moving for me was the film’s deep spirituality and humanity. Facing almost certain death as an astronaut stranded in space, Sandra Bullock’s determination to use every ounce of her physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual strength to survive was truly exhilarating to experience…..and her simultaneous vulnerability and undaunted resolve and courage made me feel beyond proud of our shared humanity. Gravity is still playing in some theaters and will expand its run when it gets sure nominations in several tech categories and hopefully for Ms. Bullock, the director Alfonso Cuaron and the film itself. If you didn’t see this one in 3D in a theater the first time around, you still have time to enjoy a truly exhilarating experience.

3. About Time. Richard Curtis is one of my favorite writer/directors because he is one of the very few filmmakers working in so-called mainstream films today whose movies are focused on love, humor, hope, optimism, and pure joy. To put it succinctly, he makes movies about and from a very kind and loving heart. About Time continues the legacy of other Curtis films such as Notting Hill and Love Actually. This time around, Mr. Curtis spins another heartfelt, wonderful tale about a family whose men have the unique ability to time travel at will. Bill Nighy (who was so brilliant as the dissolute musician in Love Actually) is the patriarch who teaches his son that the ability to create “do-overs” in life can also lead to some very challenging decisions. The film takes many surprising turns and, as always with Richard Curtis films, leaves us feeling hopeful and inspired. Imagine that!

4. The Secret Life of Walter Mitty is a sweet, gentle, loving film about finding your courage and leaping into the unknown. Ben Stiller and Kristen Wiig are absolutely perfect together in a film that resonates with a similar tone as Forrest Gump many years ago. Mr. Stiller’s Walter Mitty is a kind soul with a big heart and even bigger dreams who finally dares to not only face his greatest fears but race to, through, and over them like a high hurdler in the Olympics. Mr. Stiller also directed the film with an inspirational style and sense of joy and belief that we humans can truly be magical creatures when we follow our hearts. Walter Mitty is that rare film nowadays where you can smile all the way through it and often have tears of happiness in your eyes. Dreamers–this one is for you.

5. 42 is the inspiring, true-life story of the immortal Jackie Robinson, the courageous pioneer who broke the despicable “color line” by becoming the first African-American major league baseball player. Brooklyn Dodger owner Branch Rickey (played with relish by Harrison Ford) knew the backlash it would cause but he nevertheless brought Mr. Robinson (played with great restraint and dignity by Chadwick Boseman)to the team on April 15, 1947. Faced with hostility from some racist opponents and even teammates, Mr. Robinson’s only response was with his bat, hands, and feet as he became one of the most dynamic players in the history of the game. At one point, Mr. Robinson asked Mr. Rickey: ” So you want a player with the guts to fight back?” Mr. Rickey’s response “No, I want a player with the guts not to fight back.” (And this was a full 15 years before Martin Luther King might have responded the same way). Mr. Robinson’s impact was so indelible that every year on April 15, every major league baseball player on every team in the league wears the number 42 on his uniform–which is also the only number that has , except for that 1 day a year, been permanently retired from use throughout the league. 42 is an extraordinary, uplifting film about courage and tenacity.

6. Jobs. In a world that seems to more and more discourage individuality and passion in favor of “just fitting in”, this fascinating film about Apple Founder Steve Jobs is, in a different way from Walter Mitty, an invigorating and inspiring paean to following one’s dreams. Ashton Kutcher literally inhabits the persona of Mr. Jobs, from his distinctive gait, to his creative genius, to his sometimes ruthless pursuit of his passion to make technology user-friendly for everyone. Like most visionary entrepreneurs, Mr. Jobs crashed and burned from time to time, only to rise again from the flames like the legendary Phoenix. If somehow this film could be shown in high schools everywhere, I believe we would see a whole new generation of courageous individuals who would have the courage to challenge the status quo with their own dreams and visions. As a line from a film from the 1940s goes: “Fools are the only ones who accomplish the impossible, because they are the only ones who try.” Jobs is a tribute to one of those “fools”…and here’s a New Year’s toast to those of you with the vision and courage to also follow that road less traveled.

7. Safe Haven is an old-fashioned, why-don’t-they-make-more-movies-like that-anymore? love story. Based on a novel by Nicholas Sparks (The Notebook), Safe Haven is a delightful and perfectly titled film from director Lasse Halstrom whose previous film, Salmon Fishing in the Yemen, was also an engrossingly romantic love story. Here, a young woman (Julianne Hough) who goes on the run to escape from a violent confrontation meets a young widower (Josh Duhamel) with 2 children who runs a convenience store in a sleepy, coastal village in the Carolinas. Ms. Hough and Mr. Duhamel have a wonderful onscreen chemistry that had me rooting for them “from hello”. An uplifting film about second chances, choices, and destiny, Safe Haven is also appropriately titled because experiencing it gave me a feeling of safe haven from so many of the more cynical films that are so prevalent today. Sentimental? Yes. Mostly predictable? Yes (except for one great, great surprise). Fun, uplifting, and heartwarming? Yes, yes, yes! One of the most gentle films of the year, Safe Haven is a wonderful reminder of how beautiful and inspiring love stories can be.

8. 20 Feet From Stardom is a fascinating film about legendary background singers like Darlene Love, Merry Clayton, Lisa Fischer, and Claudia Lennear. Most if not all of those names may be unfamiliar to you and therein lies one of the most engrossing aspects of the film: for decades, backup singers have contributed to (and some even say are responsible for) thousands of hit songs, yet most of us don’t know who they are. With some, such as Lisa Fischer, that was by design because she never yearned for the spotlight. For others, that chance at stardom never came. Bruce Springsteen, Mick Jagger, Stevie Wonder, Bette Midler and others share their insights about the critical role backup singers played in the history of modern music. Throughout the film, we get to share the joy the singers feel when they perform and experience how so many talented people have learned to keep their egos in check as they perform the music they so dearly love. With wall to wall music from the 1960s to current day, 20 Feet From Stardom is a joy to experience.

9. Oblivion. Yes, you read that right. Oblivion. I saved this for last because it was, for me, the most wonderful surprise of the movie year. Unfortunately, both the poster and the misleading trailer for the film give the impression that the film is a stark, futuristic action movie. In truth, Oblivion is actually a deeply spiritual, romantic, eternal love story that also delves into how love itself is embedded in our very DNA. Set after a planetary war, Tom Cruise is absolutely wonderful as a pilot/caretaker whose assignment, along with his partner (Andrea Riseborough), is to protect what’s left of our planet from alien scavengers. Or is he astronaut Jack Harper who was a revered and beloved national hero? And are those actually aliens…or? And just who is the mysterious woman (Olga Kirilenko) whom he saves when her ship crash lands?

Be prepared for a most surprising and poignant love story…that also includes my favorite movie line of the year: “If we have souls, they are made up of the love we share, undimmed by time, unbound by death.”

10. Your choice. What were your favorite uplifting movies in 2013?

(Stephen Simon produced such films as Somewhere in Time and What Dreams May Come, authored the books The Force is with You and Bringing Back The Old Hollywood, and in 2004 co-founded The Spiritual Cinema Circle which today has monthly subscribers in all 50 United States and more than 40 other countries.)

Thanks for your good taste in movies! I mostly watch classics from the 30’s to the 50’s & I am a romantic @ heart. Love time travel movies, reincarnation, etc. Great bio of your past ( a full & exiting life ) & wishing you wonderful things in your future. Ps. I even think Wall-E was romantic,lol!

A movie titled “The Human Whisperers” those who guide humankind to discover and uncover their inherent wisdom and deeper awareness. Ultimate freedom, suffering is optional. Yet, it has not been produced …..

I agree with you on most things and am a long time member of SCC, but I see Forrest Gump as a well-made work of corrupted consciousness. It has repeated put-downs of the Vietnam-era peace movement and essentially whitewashes the abominable war itself. I’m not alone in seeing through its charming veneer.

Hi Stephen,
HER is one of the best films of all-time!
I saw this at a Press Screening but it is not released until February in the UK so will not qualify for this year’s favourite list. My favourites of 2013.
1: To the Wonder. 2: Populaire. 3. Harry Dean Stanton – Partly Fiction. 4. Gravity. 5.Saving Mr Banks. 6. What Maisie Knew. 7. Labor Day. 8. Mud.. 9. The Spectacular Now. 10. Two Jacks..

Stephen, it is ultimately uplifting, but there will be some tears along the way, but I think both you and Lauren will love it and will want to adopt the little girl, she is heartbreakingly good. Do see it.

May I take this opportunity to wish you and Lauren a wonderful, joyful and spiritual 2014.

Thanks so much for the movie list 2013!! Also thank you for spiritual circle … John and I just love it every month and we get to see you!!! Love and happiness for a new year filled with success and peace!

The only one I recognized was The Secret Life of Walter Mitty but I’m not sure if I am mistaking the older version with Danny Kaye and Virginia Mayo. If it follows the same story line I can agree, I loved this film mostly because it has all my old favorite movie stars in it particularly Boris Karloff as one of the villains and of course Danny Kaye is my all time favorite, I think everyone loves. He is so talented. I have always role modeled after Boris Karloff in trying to imitate his storytelling voice in childrens’ favorite stories.

Hi Lynne..I was actually referring to the new remake with Ben Stiller…but I loved the original too….and I actually knew Danny Kaye quite well…his daughter and I were classmates….Danny was also one of the first people in the U.S. to build an entire Chinese kitchen in his home and he was a gourmet Chinese food chef!…..thanks so much for your comment…

Wow! That’s so interesting about Danny and that you knew his daughter.

I have to apologize that I am not able to communicate to efficiently on this computer of mine. We are waiting for our computer to come back from the repair shop. In the meantime, I have to put up with this old (very slow) not updated at all. I have not even been able to watch some of the videos that Gaiam TV puts out lately now some of the recent trailers. I just have to be patient.

Thanks so much for sharing with me about Danny Kaye and this original film …Walter Mitty.

Steven,
Have not seen any of your nine films although half of them I am familiar with from reviews. Will now see HER because of your review, and I do want to see GRAVITY. The only two theater films that my wife and I have seen in the last several months were FROZEN (fanstastic in my opinion and I hope the Academy will give it due recognition), and SAVING MR. BANKS (loved Tom Hanks and Emma Thompson) and the story line of forgiveness (starting with oneself) and Father-Daughter, Father-Son relationships I really resonated with. Thanks for your list and keep up the good work, I like your idea of “uplifting” – so many films (and TV shows) these days are hardly uplifting.

Thanks so much for these reviews. I was always wondering about so many of these films whether they are worth seeing or not. So afraid to go to theatres any more because of all the bad films…like Denis said, not too many “uplifting” anymore.

My son took his two daughters to see FROZEN recently and I was wondering how it really was. Now I got confirmation from you guys here. Thanks

Thank you for the movie list! I agree with your choices, and I can’t wait to see the movies I haven’t seen yet. And thank you for the Spiritual Cinema Circle. I’ve been a member since 2010 and have only been disappointed by one film in all those years (it was a documentary-type film). My most favorite movie of all time is: “What Dreams May Come.” Even though I don’t know you personally, it’s so good to know that someone out there is on the same wave-length. Happy New Year, and Peace & Blessings, Charlotte.

Hi Charlotte…first of all, thank you so much for your kind words about “What Dreams May Come.” Getting that film made was a 20 year odyssey in my life. I can’t begin to tell you how much that film means to me…. so it’s incredibly gratifying to know how much it means to you as well. Truly, you made my day. And I’m so pleased to hear that you’ve been with The Spiritual Cinema Circle for more than 3 years…and were only disappointed by one film. In all transparency, I always kind of hope that each member our community resonates to maybe 80% of the films in any one year. Our audience is so diverse, age-wise and geographically, that we know that there will be some films our members enjoy more than others–so 1 disappointing film in 3 years is truly music to my ears! Thanks again for your comment and your loyalty–and happy 2014 to you and your family.

I Love the new list will give me movies to watch Just getting started on 2013 Films
I Love the Spiritual Cinema Circle and Family. Being a member from day one of the first
season I have been blessed to see every SSC films and it has given me a great colletion of
films. I will always share SSC with all my clients. Being a Massage Therapist when talk
starts about movies I send them home with a recomendation to go the Web and check out SSC
and the films that will bless their lives. Thanks Stephen Simon and the Crew who make Spiritual Movie available to our family. Dennis Greenwood – LMT

Hi Dennis—and a great big hug to you for being a charter subscriber! We start our 11th year this spring–and that never would have happened if folks like you hadn’t hung in there with us in those early months when we were still trying to find our footing, so to speak. Big changes since Spring of 2004, yes? And now you have a library of over 500 films–how do you store all of them? Truly, thank you for your patience and for your loyalty…..I am beyond grateful. Happy 2014!

Stephen, I have been a member of SCC for a few years now. I look forward to these lists you put out every year. It is great to hear recommendations from someone who is on the same wavelength as myself spiritual and as a man. I have not had the chance to watch any of the movies on your list because I have a 2 year old son and as a father yourself, you know how precious moments are when they are young. I will keep this list marked until some year down the road I can watch these movies. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you do for the Spiritual Community.

Hi Devin—one-sweater-guys-of-the-world-unite, indeed! Congratulations on your son–being a Dad (or Mom) is one of the greatest journeys we humans can experience so, yes, by all means, I do understand. Enjoy each moment because, tomorrow, he’ll be dating and the day after tomorrow, he’ll be a Dad himself. And thanks so very much for your loyalty to The Circle!

I could not agree with you more, Stephen. It’s ridiculous for the Academy to honor the “BEST” when, in fact, it is more likely the “FAVORITE”. There are some really great films in any given year not honored by either Best or Favorite. And I wish the Academy would adopt the method of the Foreign Press Association giving Golden Globes to different categories such as drama, comedy or musical.
I’m in Hong Kong so many of your choices have not arrived yet, or some I just gave a miss. Now that I’ve read some of your comments, I may catch up on a few on DVD that I missed in the cinema. “Her” is definitely on my must-see list.
I agree with you about “Oblivion”. I gave it a miss when it came out, thinking it just another sci-fi Tom Cruise flic. But then I saw it on a flight, not the best environment to see a film, and felt about it exactly as you state. It was a discovery. The advertising did not do it justice.
I was blown away by “Gravity”. It was, indeed, the finest space movie I’ve seen since “Avatar.” I can’t imagine it on a small screen. It needs to be experienced in 3D IMAX for major impact. I don’t particularly like 3D but it worked for Gravity. The three best 3D films for me were Avatar, Life of Pi and Gravity.
Some of my 2013 choices were probably 2012 but I only saw them in 2013 – the Chilean movie “No” was brilliant; “Perfect Sense” was underrated and a powerful statement on the endurance of love; “Quartet” was emotionally moving; and “The Best Exotic Hotel Marigold” was funny, serious, touching. I loved “Silver Linings Playbook”. I was most excited this year by the restorations being issued on DVD by Criterion and BFI.

Hi Gary…I so appreciate your wonderful post…thanks for the support re The Academy…while I completely agree with you about the Globes, I respect that tradition is important as well..and know that the “old dog” Academy is not going to learn “new tricks”….and on we go….also so happy to hear that you discovered OBLIVION as well…that film is going to be one of those undiscovered gems that people talk about for years to come…Hong Kong–wow–I’d love to know what brought you to one of the most exotic locations on earth!…thanks again…Stephen

Just watched Safe Haven last night the pacing was delicious and the ending fantastic – thanks! Good movies are food for the soul. I am wondering if you have ever seen, “Dean Spanley” it is one of my partner and my alltime favourites staring Peter O’Toole and made in New Zealand. You may find it hard to source in the US. I do have a spare copy (it’s a PAL 4 version though). You are welcome to have it but will need an international player. Let me know if you want it and I’ll gladly send it to you at SSC.

Dear Stephen, You have no idea how often I bless you for the SCC! I have been in it from the beginning (my original name has since changed due to marriage, the story of which would itself make a great SCC movie!!). The SCC movies are my only treasured collection! Endless hours of entertainment, as we go back and watch past movies and share them when friends come over for dinner. Knowing that there is always access to uplifting movies, has been well worth the cost of the subscription fee. I don’t think I have ever been disappointed because there is always something to learn, some new angle to look at the world! Your favorite movie list is my January highlight -thank you so much for doing it and saving us busy people the trouble of hit-and miss movie going. Now I have my list of good movies to look forward to. In gratitude and love.

Hi Sarah..oh my goodness—-a charter subscriber! Thank you so very much for your faith and loyalty over these almost 11 years now. I am so, so grateful for your support. (I also invite you to join our Facebook discussion board for The Spiritual Cinema Circle.) You have over 500 movies now on your shelves—do you bring out old volumes to watch from time to time?. Again, thank you for being with us from the very beginning..and for reaching out to me here. Have a great 2014!!!

Thank you so much, Todd….I’m so glad DREAMS touched you so deeply….all of us involved are so proud of our film…..so hearing this from you–16 years after the film’ release–is even more meaningful…..you made my day!!

Hi Stephen, I just watched Gravity and absolutely loved it. It was really nice to see a strong female role who was also vulnerable. I never really understood the concept that vulnerability is strength but now I understand that it is the relinguishing of the Ego that empowers us. Fingers crossed this film will open the door to more heroine’s journeys being told on the big screen.

Hi Bec….yes, I so agree!…strength and vulnerability are not mutually exclusive—that is so beautifully expressed—glad you enjoyed the film…I’m pretty sure it will win more Oscars tonight than any other film—and I hope it wins Best Picture…..thanks for you comment!!

Hi George….each branch in the Academy nominates artists in their own branch…actors nominate actors, composers nominate composers, etc…and everyone gets to nominate as many as 10 films for Best Picture, starting with their favorite at #1, then #2, etc…films have to get a certain number of people voting them #1 to get nominated as Best Picture (I think it’s a minimum of 250 votes but I may be off on that)…after the nominations come out, everyone gets to vote in all the categories……hope that helps!!

I just got the DVD of The Book Thief at my library over this past weekend. I never read the book, was not familiar with the story, and wasn’t expecting too much, but ended up watching it twice. Not only did I think it was one of the most uplifting films from 2013, now it’s my favorite film from 2013.